The Cincinnati Bengals have been linked to what would be one of the biggest blockbuster trades that the NFL has seen in quite some time.
Justin Jefferson, the Minnesota Vikings’ star wide receiver, has recently been the subject of reports, as he may have been shopped during the draft. Jefferson is one of the best receivers in the league, but as he enters the final year of his deal, there are question marks.
The 25-year-old could earn around $30 million annually, making him a major expenditure for the Vikings. There are reports that the Vikings are working on a deal with Jefferson, but an enticing trade offer could make him available.
The Bengals could jump at the opportunity to reunite Jefferson with his college teammates, Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase.
This would form an elite offense, but it would be costly for the Bengals. Cincinnati has not been close to a deal with wide receiver Tee Higgins, who was franchise-tagged this offseason.
What would a Vikings-Bengals Jefferson trade look like?
However, if the Bengals believe Jefferson is a significant upgrade and are willing to pay the price, they would have a compelling offer. Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine suggested Cincinnati send Higgins, a first-round pick, and a third-round pick to Minnesota.
This deal gives the Vikings a replacement receiver in Higgins, who has shown flashes of being a wide receiver one.
Higgins has been a 1,000-yard receiver twice and is a red zone target at six foot four. They would also gain great draft compensation in this deal with a first-round and third-round pick.
Minnesota would have to pay Higgins, but it would likely be less of a contract than Jefferson would get.
This would give the Bengals an explosive offense that could help them defeat the Kansas City Chiefs.
Jefferson only appeared in ten games in 2023 but hauled in 68 receptions for 1,074 yards and five touchdowns.
He is an elite route runner and an all-around phenomenal receiver. Jefferson would solidify the Bengals as contenders, and they could challenge the Chiefs in the AFC.
Kansas City has won back-to-back Super Bowls and is the team to beat this season. The Bengals defeated them in the AFC Title Game in 2022 but lost to them in 2023.
Justin Jefferson would help the Cincinnati Bengals counter Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs.
If the Bengals are willing to pay Jefferson long-term, this trade would be worthwhile to create the best passing attack in the NFL. They would have to convince Minnesota to part with their star, but they have a competitive offer.
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